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Student Exploration Design Challenge -- Deadlines Extended!

NASA is extending deadlines for its Exploration Design Challenge, an educational program connected to Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1) -- the first mission for NASA's new Orion spacecraft, scheduled to launch in September 2014 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

The challenge invites students from kindergarten through 12th grade to research and design proposed solutions to help protect astronauts from space radiation during Orion's future long-duration deep space missions to an asteroid and Mars. Participating students will analyze different materials that simulate space radiation shielding for human space travelers aboard the Orion spacecraft. After participating in activities guided by their teachers, students will recommend materials that best block harmful radiation. Older students can take the challenge a step further by designing a shield to protect a sensor inside Orion from space radiation.

The new deadline for older students to submit designs has been extended to February 28. The deadline for all students to complete a radiation learning module and fly their names on EFT-1 now is June 30.